(Blog) The Importance of Calibrating Compression Load Cells

Compression Load Cells are essential components for measuring weight and force in various industrial applications. This information can then be used to find the centre of gravity of a load to ensure a safe lift and they are widely used in material testing, quality control, and process control, among others. However, to ensure that the readings from Compression Load Cells are accurate and reliable, it is crucial to calibrate them regularly. Manufacturer guidelines state that they should be calibrated every 12 months, let’s look at why calibrating Compression Load Cells is essential and how LGH UK, a leading provider of equipment hire solutions, can help you with this process.

Compression Load Cells are effectively scales, when compressed they display the force applied to them as a numerical value. It requires several components working together to accurately display the correct reading and damage to any of these can result in inaccuracies. The key parts that make up the Compression Load Cell are: The Spring, Bonded Strain Gauge and Amplifier.

At LGH UK we have wired and wireless Compression Load Cells fully calibrated and ready for use. Depending on the project these can be used individually or you can link up to 36 together to measure larger loads. Software allows error free data transmission to a laptop and all readings are accurately displayed for the technician to use.

Compression Load Cells are often subjected to various environmental factors that can affect their accuracy, changing temperatures, vibration due to transport, and mechanical stress during use all have an effect. Calibration helps to compensate for these factors and ensures that the Compression Load Cell readings are accurate and reliable. Regular calibration is necessary to maintain the Compression Load Cell's performance as over time it can drift away from its original specifications.

Calibrating Compression Load Cells is a critical aspect of safety. Inaccurate readings can lead to incorrect decisions and actions, which can result in a rigging failure or worse. During a project in which the road surface of a bridge was renewed, LGH UK needed to weigh the bridge before and after to ensure the counterweight was correct. Getting incorrect readings for this would have had significant impacts on the safety of the bridge.

Furthermore, as a hire company it is important that our equipment stays in good condition and lasts. Calibrating Compression Load Cells regularly can help prolong their lifespan, avoiding costly repairs and replacements and making sure our customers always have equipment in the best condition

At LGH UK, we understand the importance of accurate measurements in industrial applications, which is why all our Compression Load Cells are returned to the manufacturer for a comprehensive calibration service. Once returned, our team of engineers test the Compression Load Cells using state-of-the-art equipment and techniques to ensure accurate results. When a customer returns a Compression Load Cell it is given a thorough examination before going back into the fleet where it is correctly stored before being examined again before its next hire.

Get in touch with one of our lifting experts and let them help you with your next project. With over 50 years of experience, LGH are the single largest organisation dedicated exclusively to the hire and sale of lifting & moving equipment.

Call one of our specialists on 03704 247 247 or email us at enquiries@lgh.co.uk. You can also complete the Contact Us form and we'll get back to you as soon as possible.